The 1978 Plymouth Horizon arrived at a moment when compact front-wheel-drive hatchbacks were becoming a practical new direction for American buyers. Its tidy proportions, economy-minded design, and everyday usability make it a very different tire-selection exercise from larger domestic cars of the same era. For the 1978 Plymouth Horizon, the primary fitments are 155/80R13 and 165/75R13, both radial sizes on 13-inch wheels. That keeps the focus on choosing the right metric radial size, then narrowing the look with whitewall treatments and available tire series. For a stock driver or a preservation-minded car, confirming the exact size already on the car is the first step before comparing appearance and wheel compatibility.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1978 Plymouth Horizon
The 1978 Plymouth Horizon uses two primary tire sizes, and both are radial fitments for 13-inch rims. Because the Horizon Base can use either 155/80R13 or 165/75R13, the key first step is confirming which size is on the car now or which wheel-and-tire setup is being retained. Once size is confirmed, the real decision shifts to sidewall appearance, brand, and product specifications within that fitment.
155/80R13 is a metric radial size in which 155 indicates section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1978 Plymouth Horizon, this size suits the car's compact proportions while keeping to a true small-diameter radial format. Available choices include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall presentations across series such as UN106, Silvertown Radial, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and Tornel Classic. This size is worth considering when maintaining a stock-style overall tire profile and comparing traditional whitewall looks on a 13-inch wheel.
165/75R13 is also a metric radial size, with 165 denoting section width in millimeters, 75 showing the aspect ratio, R marking radial construction, and 13 identifying the rim diameter. For a 1978 Plymouth Horizon, it remains a proper 13-inch radial fitment but uses a slightly different sizing convention from 155/80R13. Tire selection in this size starts with matching the car's existing wheel setup and preserving the intended fitment rather than treating all 13-inch compact radials as interchangeable. This size should be evaluated carefully if the car has been kept original in wheel diameter but may differ from another Horizon setup in exact tire sizing.
Sub-model fitment for the 1978 Plymouth Horizon is straightforward here, because the covered Horizon Base uses the same two primary radial sizes already associated with the model. Checking the exact sub-model still matters, but the larger decision is confirming which of the two 13-inch tire sizes is actually on the car.
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1978 Plymouth Horizon Base
The 1978 Plymouth Horizon Base can use either 155/80R13 or 165/75R13, both in radial construction on 13-inch wheels. That means tire selection starts with verifying the current wheel-and-tire setup, then choosing the preferred whitewall style, brand, and series within the confirmed size.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1978 Plymouth Horizon Tires for Sale
Available 1978 Plymouth Horizon tire choices center on 155/80R13 radial options from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel. The main differences are whitewall presentation, including narrow and wide whitewall styles, along with series such as UN106, Silvertown Radial, Classic Whitewall MA-1, and Tornel Classic.
These 1978 Plymouth Horizon FAQs focus on the two 13-inch radial tire sizes, sub-model fitment, whitewall choices, product selection, and the wheel, condition, and clearance checks that matter before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1978 Plymouth Horizon?
The 1978 Plymouth Horizon uses two primary tire sizes: 155/80R13 and 165/75R13. Both are radial tire sizes for 13-inch wheels, and the Horizon Base is associated with both fitments rather than just one exclusive size.
That makes size confirmation more important than simply ordering any compact 13-inch radial. Check the size printed on the current tire, confirm the wheel diameter, and compare the car's present setup before choosing between the available products. A stock car may still be wearing its intended size, while a previously changed wheel-and-tire package can shift the decision.
What size rim does a 1978 Plymouth Horizon use?
The tire fitments for the 1978 Plymouth Horizon use a 13-inch rim diameter. Both 155/80R13 and 165/75R13 are built around that same 13-inch wheel size, so rim diameter stays consistent even though the two tire sizes differ slightly in width and profile.
Rim diameter is only the starting point, because wheel width still needs to suit the tire being considered. A Horizon that has replacement wheels should be checked carefully before ordering, especially if the car has been updated over the years. Matching the tire size to both the 13-inch diameter and the actual wheel width helps avoid an otherwise correct-looking mismatch.
Why does the 1978 Plymouth Horizon have more than one tire size?
The 1978 Plymouth Horizon is associated with both 155/80R13 and 165/75R13, so more than one primary tire size can appear on this model. Both sizes are radial fitments on 13-inch rims, which means the difference is in the tire's metric sizing rather than in construction type or wheel diameter.
For an owner, that means the first task is identifying which setup the car actually uses today. Looking at the sidewall on the current tire is often the quickest answer. Once the size is confirmed, the remaining choices become much simpler, since you can compare products within the correct fitment instead of trying to decide between two sizes at the same time.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 155/80R13 tire for a 1978 Plymouth Horizon?
Start with the basics: 155/80R13 must match the size already intended for the car's wheel setup. From there, the main choices are brand, sidewall appearance, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility. Available options include Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel in several classic-style radial offerings.
Appearance matters on a small late-1970s car because a narrow whitewall and a wide whitewall create very different visual results. It also helps to compare tire weight and any stated rim-width range when those details are available. A Horizon used as a preservation-minded driver may favor one look, while another owner may simply want a clean radial with the right proportions.
What sidewall styles are available for 1978 Plymouth Horizon tires?
The available 155/80R13 tires for a 1978 Plymouth Horizon include both narrow whitewall and wide whitewall styles. Narrow whitewall options appear from Travelstar, Maxxis, and Tornel, while BFGoodrich offers a wide whitewall version in the same size.
That gives the car owner a real appearance choice even when staying within the correct basic fitment. A narrow whitewall tends to keep the look subtle, while a wider band creates a more traditional late-1970s presentation. The best match depends on how the car is being finished visually and whether the goal is understated everyday style or a more restoration-oriented whitewall look.
What brands offer tires for the 1978 Plymouth Horizon?
Tires for the 1978 Plymouth Horizon are available from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel in the applicable 155/80R13 fitment. Those brands cover several classic-style radial choices rather than a single one-size-fits-all product approach.
Choosing among them usually comes down to the combination of sidewall style, tire series, and wheel-width compatibility that best suits the car. BFGoodrich, for example, brings a wide whitewall option, while other brands provide narrow whitewall alternatives. Comparing those features against the Horizon's current wheel setup is usually more useful than focusing on brand name alone.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1978 Plymouth Horizon?
A period-style 1978 Plymouth Horizon tire choice starts with using the correct primary size for the car's setup, either 155/80R13 or 165/75R13, and keeping the 13-inch radial format. From there, the visual character comes from details such as a narrow whitewall or wide whitewall rather than changing to an unrelated size.
For many owners, the most useful approach is to confirm the tire size already associated with the car and then choose the sidewall treatment that matches the intended finish. If exact historical originality is important, marque literature, period photography, or model-specific restoration references can help narrow the visual choice beyond basic fitment.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1978 Plymouth Horizon?
On a restored 1978 Plymouth Horizon, construction is less about bias-ply versus radial and more about retaining the compact metric radial look that belongs to the car's era. Both primary fitments for this model are radial, so the appearance discussion centers on size, proportions, and sidewall presentation.
That matters because a late-1970s compact can look noticeably different if the tire profile or sidewall style strays too far from its intended character. Staying within the proper 13-inch radial sizing family helps preserve the car's visual balance. Whitewall width then becomes the finishing choice, especially on a clean survivor or restoration-minded driver.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1978 Plymouth Horizon?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1978 Plymouth Horizon even though the original tire sizes are relatively modest. Aftermarket wheels, changes in wheel width, suspension alterations, or body and fender work can all influence whether 155/80R13 or 165/75R13 remains the better match.
That is why a modified car should be measured rather than assumed. Check actual wheel diameter and width, then inspect steering clearance and space at the fender edges before choosing a tire. Even small changes can matter on a compact hatchback, especially if the car has been lowered or fitted with wheels that differ from its original proportions.
What should I inspect before driving a 1978 Plymouth Horizon on new tires?
Before driving a 1978 Plymouth Horizon on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure the tire size matches the car's setup, and confirm proper inflation. It also helps to look over the valve stems, check for any rubbing points, and verify that each tire seats correctly on the wheel.
A short initial drive followed by a second inspection is a smart habit on an older car. Recheck air pressure, look for unusual scuffing, and pay attention to steering feel or vibration. Since many collector-era compacts spend long periods parked, it is also wise to inspect the suspension and braking system so the tires are not asked to mask other age-related problems.
How should 155/80R13 tires on a collector 1978 Plymouth Horizon be maintained?
155/80R13 tires on a collector 1978 Plymouth Horizon should be maintained with regular air-pressure checks, periodic visual inspection, and careful storage habits. Watch for cracking, bulges, cuts, uneven tread wear, or slow air loss, especially on a car that is driven only occasionally.
Collector vehicles often age their tires by time and environment as much as by mileage. Keeping the Horizon out of prolonged sunlight, excess heat, standing moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the rubber. It is also wise to inspect the tires before every longer outing, since a compact car with older suspension components can reveal problems quickly once it returns to the road.
